Jags' guards to be tested by Troy's perimeter game tonight

View full size(Press-Register/Mike Kittrell)South Alabama coach Ronnie Arrow directs the Jaguars during a Sun Belt Conference game last season.

South Alabama's guards were a major factor offensively in USA's first Sun Belt Conference victory of the season, and they will have to be just as effective defensively if the Jaguars hope to win at Troy tonight at 8.

USA's guards contributed 34 points and helped hold Louisiana-Lafayette to just 26 percent shooting from 3-point range in Thursday night's 70-65 win. But the challenge will be much more difficult against Troy, the league's best 3-point shooting team.

The Trojans (6-9, 1-3) have connected on 146 treys, more than twice as many as the Jaguars, and average nearly 10 three-pointers a game. Four Troy players have at least 16 treys: Alan Jones (35), R.J. Scott (34), Justin Wright (25) and Will Weathers (16).

South Alabama (9-6, 1-3) has made just 61 three-pointers. Freddie Goldstein leads the Jaguars with 30 and Dallas Jones has 11.

USA has had problems at times defending the deep ball, giving up 100, an average of six per game.

"They've got some really good shooters and we have to be aware of where they are on the floor," said Jaguars coach Ronnie Arrow. "We've got to defend the 3-point line."

While South Alabama's defense is one of the best in the league -- opponents are shooting just 40 percent -- the Trojans could have some difficulty defending the Jaguars' inside-oriented attack. Opponents are connecting on 47 percent against Troy's defense.

USA should have an advantage on the boards as it leads the league in rebounding (40 per game).